Cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners under American control makes us less safe, violates our nationís values, and damages Americaís reputation in the world.

That is why in 2004 the bipartisan 9/11 Commission called for humane treatment of those captured by the US government and our allies in the struggle against terrorism.

Congress and the Pentagon responded with clear and comprehensive new rules for the military, so that interrogation techniques practiced by the military today are both humane and effective.

But not all US government agencies are following these rules.

Congress should require the entire US government and those acting on its behalf to follow the Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations.Doing so will make us safer, while safeguarding our cherished values and our vital national interests.